177: Having More vs Wanting Less

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Many of us go through our lives reaching for the stars. We try to set goals that put us at the top of the totem pole. Nothing but the best will satisfy us. Whether it is in gaining wealth or knowledge, we try our best to be on top. Yet others sear that they are happiest when they focus on what makes them happy now. Is it settling or being content? When is it that we decide whether we are better off having more or wanting less?

It’s a tough thing in life to fail on a dream. We make plans around what we are going to achieve, the homes we will live in, the type of partner we will share it with, and the type of wealth we will amass. Life sometimes comes along and kicks us in the teeth and we fail to achieve our goals. In some cases the hurt of the failure is enough to cause people to give up. Is it settling if we learn to be happy with what we have or is it growth in that we know ourselves better?

I think it is different for each person. Take Mother Teresa as an example. She gave up all wealth and personal material belongings living her life as a missionary. She wanted less material things and accomplished so much. No one would argue that she led and impactful and fulfilling life. Some might argue though that her ambition was centered in wanting and having a deeper relationship with God.

I think the ambition should always be to strive the best version of “me” that I can be. Look for ways to improve yourself so that you can have more and want for less. Have a more enriching life full of experiences and wisdom versus a life full of material belongings that leave you feeling hollow. Read books that build your knowledge. Find new passions and develop new skills that lead you towards fulfillment in those passions. You can want all the material wealth in the world, but if you are not growing as a person you will find no happiness in what you have attained.